A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe state as a result of the violence that erupted in Billiri town over the appointment of new traditional ruler.
Addressing newsmen on Friday, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi said the state government imposed the 24-hour curfew to ensure peaceful co-existence among residents.
He said, “The government has suspended all forms of gatherings in Billiri LGA and all security agencies are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.
“All residents of Billiri are expected to comply with the directive except those personnel providing essential services.”
Some women and children from Billiri town and the neighbouring villages had blocked the Gombe-Yola highway for over three days, protesting what they described as “delay tactic” in the appointment of a new Mai Tangale by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
The blockage had left many trapped as motorists plying the highway to and from Adamawa, Taraba and Benue states as well as other part of the country got stranded.
The protesters alleged that the governor is planning to announce someone other than their preferred candidate, Dr Musa Idris Maiyamba, who according to them got the highest votes from the kingmakers during selection process.
They alleged that the other candidates, Ahmadu Muhammadu Maiyamba and Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba, didn’t get the required votes from the kingmakers to emerge as paramount ruler of the chiefdom.
The govwrnment was yet to react to the allegations at the time of filling this report.
